Pumping out a very respectable 550 lumens in top mode, Silva's Pavé Sport bike light is the sort you can scoot around the suburbs in standard/flashing before clicking into top and indulging in some seriously spirited back road scratching. Not impressed? Well, how about 183g for the whole shebang-battery n' all?

Mounting is courtesy of a beefy silicone strap that engages with the lamp and accommodates the full spectrum of handlebar diameters beautifully - even my Univega's oversized Godzilla drops couldn't give it indigestion. From here, a short cable run routes the battery very tidily along the top tube. Despite some initial scepticism, it hasn't been a problem during sharp turns - and measuring 8x5cm only the most neurotic would consider the 7.5volt cell an affront to their bike's clean lines.

The same goes for the fossil-shaped 5x3cm lamp, which is even more efficient space-wise since it sits vertically. Its sturdy white aluminium housing hosts rubberised switch, circuitry, two super bright LEDs and concave lens.

Intelligent lighting is a brilliant concept that means the flood and spot beams run simultaneously in all but the lowest setting, thus providing a pinpoint spot for the road, while the flood ensures a generic overview. Conforming to IPX6 (meaning it's designed to survive all water, bar immersion) it has laughed at torrential downpour and hosepipe testing alike.

Pressing the switch once gives you the full Monty, prod again and you've standard, whereas strobing seems quite shy. Not that this matters frankly, since in everyday contexts, it serves only to dazzle rider and oncoming traffic. Standard is best for suburban stretches, conserving juice while still providing plenty of presence - especially when helmet mounted, since the beam is aimed where you intend travelling.

I'd still be inclined to decorate my bars with a blinky or two to keep the bike conspicuous. It's a little underpowered, too, as a main system for serious green lane/singletrack antics. Navigating country lanes was possible at a steady 25mph, the spot giving a clear view of conditions ahead to fifteen feet.

Run times have been within seven minutes of those quoted from a full four-hour charge too - but isn't ideal for audax since it can't compete on level terms with the latest generation of super dynamos.

Verdict

Quirky but extremely versatile and surprisingly powerful light for commuting and training.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Silva Pavé front light

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the light is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

"The Silva Pavé is an extremely lightweight and compact bike light with great light output for the advanced mountain biker or road biker. The lamp unit is in aluminum for optimal cooling. Two high power LEDs provide you with Silva Intelligent Light – light where you need it. Silva Pavé can be worn on your helmet or mounted on the bike handlebar. The integrated rubber strap makes it extremely easy to mount and dismount to the handlebar. No extra tools needed. An external rechargeable battery pack that can be attached to the bike frame, ensures you have enough power for your evening or early morning bike ride. Pavé has a large on/off button that is easy to operate even when wearing gloves".

Agree on most points bar suggestion its adequate as a main system off road.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the light?

Light modes - Max, Min, Wide, Blink

Batteries/type � 2,5Ah 7,4V Li-ion

Discharge time (Max/Min/Wide/Blink) � 2h 30min/10h/10h/20h

Light distance � 90m

Waterproof � IPX6

Lumen � 550

Weight (excl. Batteries) � 50g

Bulb type � 2x High power LED

Beam pattern: � Intelligent Light®

Rate the light for quality of construction:

8/10

Rate the light for design and ease of use. How simple was the light to use?

Rate the light for waterproofing. How did it stand up to the elements?

7/10

Passed my usual tests hands down.

Rate the light for battery life. How long did it last? How long did it take to recharge?

7/10

Run times have been broadly faithful to those quoted and the system automatically kicks down to flashing when suitably depleted. However, four hour mains charging isn't ideal - especially in crowded offices.

Rate the light for performance:

7/10

Impressive given the dimensions - great for back road scratching but wouldn't be my primary light off-road.

Rate the light for durability:

7/10

Rate the light for weight, if applicable:

9/10

183g. This sort of power to weight ratio was unthinkable only a few years back-just the ticket for svelte winter/club steeds.

Very reasonably priced given the spec but ultra sophisticated dynao lamps are more practical for Audax and similar endurance riding.

Tell us how the light performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Tipping the scales at 183g, this sort of performance was unthinkable just a few years back, let alone from such a tiny system. Two economy settings mean you can zip frugally to work before indulging in some serious back road or singletrack detours en route home.

Miscellaneous

Tools and workshop

Here's how we roll at road.cc: every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a real insight into whether it works or not. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective, and we strive to ensure that all opinions expressed are backed up by facts, but reviews are always a reviewer's informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores. It reflects both a product's function and value. Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad. Here's what they mean: